Anderson County budget committee keeps 15% sheriff pay plan while asking for written requests and options
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Summary
The Anderson County Budget Committee approved a tentative budget calendar and asked departments for written budget requests while debating deputy pay. Citizens urged a 30% raise; staff and the sheriff argued 15% would cost roughly $2 million and make wages competitive. The committee approved transfers and grant placements.
The Anderson County Commission Budget Committee on Jan. 8 approved a tentative budget calendar and guidelines while wrestling with how to address rising compensation pressures for public-safety staff.
Citizen Colt Jennings told the committee that "the sheriff's office is underfunded by at least $6,000,000" and urged a 30% pay increase for deputies rather than the staff-proposed 15%. Finance staff said a 15% increase would cost about $2,000,000. Staff also disputed a claim about benefits, noting the county offers three benefit options and that one option is free for single employees.
The dispute continued during committee discussion, which repeatedly returned to public safety. Commissioners and the sheriff argued higher market wages among neighboring counties are driving turnover. Sheriff (speaker identified in the record) said, "So I think 15% is still what we need," framing the proposal as a market-competitiveness step rather than a final solution. Commissioners asked department leaders to present written, itemized budget requests showing the specific increases needed to retain patrol officers, jail staff and EMS personnel and to provide options (e.g., multiple pay tiers or sign-on bonuses).
Finance staff presented the county's cash and fund balance report for Dec. 31 — noting restricted, committed, assigned and unassigned balances — and said moving previously approved grant awards back into the current fiscal year will reduce the available fund balance. The committee approved grouped transfers and grants earlier in the meeting; staff noted $1,275,018 in ARPA funds remains unspent and that the county holds roughly $27.5 million in active grant awards across federal and state sources.
The committee adopted the budget calendar and guidelines by voice vote and directed departments to return with written justifications for significant budget changes. Commissioners emphasized exploring options other than a tax increase, including reallocating funds within the current budget or offering retention incentives.
The committee concluded that the public-safety compensation issue will continue into the budget hearings and asked for concrete, department-level proposals before any final decision.
The committee adjourned after approving the calendar and a series of routine transfers and grant budget placements.